What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review of 13 randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of peri-operative hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in optimizing surgical patient outcomes.
What They Found
Out of 775 references, 13 randomized controlled trials involving 627 patients were included in the review. Ten of these trials, encompassing 546 patients, reported that hyperbaric oxygen therapy was effective in improving surgical outcomes or reducing postoperative complications.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients undergoing surgery might benefit from peri-operative hyperbaric oxygen therapy to potentially reduce postoperative complications and optimize recovery. This could lead to improved surgical outcomes and a better overall patient experience.
Canadian Relevance
This systematic review was co-authored by Canadian researchers, contributing to the global understanding of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in surgical care.
Study Limitations
The review's findings are limited by the relatively small number of included randomized controlled trials and the narrative nature of the synthesis.